Mixed fortunes for HSBC and BOV

The two largest equities by market cap on the local equity market kicked off 2011 by moving in opposite directions. Bank of Valletta plc continued to build on last year’s 24.6% rise in the run up to next Friday’s cut-off date for eligibility to the 1 for 5 bonus share issue. The bank’s shares gained 3c or 0.8% to reach €3.888 across twenty trades totalling 19,751 shares.

Meanwhile, HSBC Bank Malta plc failed to maintain the positive momentum witnessed in recent weeks as the shares dipped 1.7% to €3.20. Just over 34,800 shares changed hands today.

A late transaction helped GO plc’s equity close today’s session in positive territory. The shares first slipped to an intra-day low of €1.85 only to subsequently recover and close the first session of 2011 0.3% higher at €1.94. Trading activity in the quad play operator reached 9,000 shares.

The only other active equity this morning was Middlesea Insurance plc which eased 0.6% to €1.009 on a small deal of 200 shares.

Overall the Malta Stock Exchange Share Index shed 0.3% today to drop back to 3,769.192 points.

On the other hand, Malta Government Stock prices commenced 2011 on a positive note As a result, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index climbed 0.14% to 994.045 points today.